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10 Easy Ways to Save Money

budgeting, debt reduction, money management, saving money

Save money with these easy tips and tricks. You don’t have to cut out all the “good stuff” from your life to save money and hit your budget goals! It’s all about the compound effect – – every penny adds up!

Don’t wait for the “right” time … because it will NEVER come around. It never does!

Here are some tweaks you can make pretty easily to control spending, crush your money goals, and manage and stick to your budget.

Groceries can totally kill your budget! So, save money and shop with a list (stick to it); plan your meals; and shop from your own pantry first. Try the stores’ generic versions – – they usually are really very good! All the logos are marketing, and you’re paying for that. DON’T shop hungry (this one gets me every time)! Along those same lines, if you can, leave the kids at home – – they always want ALL the impulse buys. Gotta love them though, right?! Online pickup and delivery has become super popular, too, and that takes out much of the budget busters that come along with trips to the grocery store.
Cancel automatic memberships and subscriptions. You’ll have to dig deep to find some of these! I know personally that I will sign up for something and, especially if it’s an annual renewal, I forget all about it. Evaluate your streaming services – – are you really using them all, like really? Those annual renewals I mentioned a sentence or so ago – – turn off auto renewal! Are you truly using that gym membership? I don’t even want to talk about Amazon Prime – – BUDGET BUSTER (and yes, I’m guilty for sure). Sometimes saving money isn’t really saving money. Sneaky stuff!
Cut those cable cables!! The prices are crazy and most shows you like can be found on streaming services (although be mindful of #2 above).
Let’s talk electric bills. I love being cool and comfy like everyone else, BUT I make a point to keep the A/C turned up during the day even when I’m home, and definitely when no one is home – – bump that thermostat up! I find it easier to do this during the day and handle the “heat” because I like sleeping with it chilled. Life’s all about choices, right? Don’t forget about hot water usage; especially in the laundry room. And I’m here to tell you – – I love a steamy shower just like the next guy but even a dermatologist will tell you that it’s bad for your skin – – balance out that shower temperature and save some pennies while you save your skin!
Pack that lunch! Yes, for you – – and the kids too – – but those lunches out can wreck a budget! Think about it – – even $5/day will add up to almost $100 or more a month. And Starbucks?? Oh my! BUDGET BUSTER!! Brew your own at home. Invest in a good travel mug if you need to.
Just like streaming services and memberships, watch those cell phone expenses. You can get rid of or reduce those costly data plans, phone insurance costs and warranties. Don’t be afraid to switch providers either – – they’re not in this for you! Don’t give them your precious money every month.
Try a spending freeze. Don’t shoot the messenger here! This is hard, I know, but you’d be amazed at what you can accomplish and how much money you’ll save. Try 30 days, or even two weeks, of a spending freeze and be surprised. Meal prep ahead of time, don’t order out or go out to eat, and avoid those stores that tend to suck you right in (my personal vice: thrift stores).
I LOVE my library! Like I really do! I have access to most books I want to read and especially audio books! Not sure how accessible it is on a grand scale, but my favorite app is the LIBBY app. Connect your library and your card and have a blast – – for free!! (click here to check out the Libby app.) We have a local “Friends of the Library” sale twice a year. The last day of the sale is “10 cents day” for all items – – TEN CENTS! Check your local library for similar resources.
Sell things that truly don’t float your boat anymore (“bring you joy” for Marie Kondo fans). I know being sentimental can be a huge hurdle to overcome, but think through each item and sell those that really won’t make you truly happy (especially those items up in the attic that you haven’t seen in literally years)! Facebook Marketplace is one place to sell the items if you hate having a yard sale (like I do – – with a passion – – really hate it).
Learn the true power of NO. Probably the easiest way to save money. It’s hard to do and takes practice, but it gets easier and makes a huge difference! We’re humans – – surprise! We hate waiting. We LOVE immediate gratification! Speaking of, when are they making something faster than a microwave?? I mean, seriously?!?! Back on topic; delaying gratification is a great teacher. I’m constantly amazed at what I find that I NEEDED and then completely forgot about two weeks later. Remember your needs of the future are so much more important than your current wants. I know it’s a fine line some days but get out those magnifying glasses and take a long hard look to make that decision between a NEED and a WANT. You’ll be glad you did. I even suggest that you be proud of yourself for it!